complaint

Something you say or write to show that you are unhappy about a situation.

• I made a complaint about the food.
• The manager deals with customer complaints.
• Have you sent your complaint to the airline?

How to use it: a complaint about something (We received a complaint about the noise.); a complaint to someone (She made a complaint to the manager.)

Similar words: protest, grievance

Common phrases: make a complaint, customer complaint, formal complaint

A problem or concern that makes you unhappy about something.

• My only complaint is the price.
• His main complaint was the lack of space.
• I have no complaints about the quality of their work.

How to use it: a complaint about something (My only complaint about the room is its size.); someone's complaint is that… (Her main complaint is that the work is boring.)

Similar words: grievance, concern, problem

Common phrases: main complaint, only complaint, no complaint

An illness or a problem affecting part of the body, usually a minor one.

• She has a minor skin complaint.
• The doctor treated his stomach complaint.
• These medicines help with common childhood complaints.

Similar words: ailment, illness, disorder

Common phrases: skin complaint, stomach complaint, minor complaint

The first court document explaining why someone is bringing a civil case against another person or organization.

• The lawyer filed the complaint yesterday.
• The complaint names three companies as defendants.
• An amended complaint added details about the unpaid bills.

How to use it: file a complaint against someone (The company filed a complaint against its former supplier.)

Similar words: statement of claim

Common phrases: file a complaint, civil complaint, amended complaint